Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.

Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles including an adhesive layer; a film layer bonded to the adhesive layer having a microstructured surface including numerous capillary channels; and a cover layer disposed on the capillary channels and attached to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is hydrophobic and includes an aperture for fluid (e.g., sweat) collection from a skin surface. The film layer also includes an aperture that overlaps the adhesive layer aperture to direct collected fluid to the capillary channels of the microstructured surface, which have a hydrophilic surface. Optionally at least one indicator chemistry can be present in the channels to facilitate optical (e.g., visual) determination of total fluid volume and/or concentration of at least one analyte in the fluid as a function of time.

Abstract: An optical system for examining an optical characteristic of a test material at at least a first wavelength includes an elongated hollow structure elongated along a length thereof and having one or more walls extending along the length of the hollow structure and defining an elongated chamber therebetween configured to receive the test material. The elongated hollow structure includes at least a first light opening, such that for the at least the first wavelength, the one or more walls have an optical reflectance of greater than about 50% for incident angles of up to at least 40 degrees, and at least one of the at least the first light opening has an optical transmittance of greater than about 50% for at least one incident angle.

Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.

Abstract: Medical diagnostic devices or components thereof are described that comprise a microstructured surface that comprises peak structures and adjacent valleys wherein the valleys have a maximum width ranging from 1 to 1000 microns and the peak structures. In some embodiments (e.g. for improved cleanability) the peak structures of the microstructured surface have a side wall angle of greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-comers elements. The microstructured surface of the medical diagnostic device typically comes in contact with multiple patients during normal use of the device, such as a stethoscope diaphragm. The microstructured surface exhibits better microorganism (e.g. bacteria) removal when cleaned and/or provides a reduction in microbial touch transfer. Also described are methods of making and methods of use.

Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on an underside of a substantially horizontal surface. The film comprises channels disposed at least on a first major surface and configured to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the film. A capillary siphon structure of the film comprises a fold in the film, a condensate collection region proximate the fold, and a siphon region between the fold and a condensate release location of the film. At least a portion of a second major surface is attached to the underside of the substantially horizontal surface such that longitudinal openings of the channels of the condensate collection region are oriented towards a direction of gravity and the condensate release location is positioned lower along the direction of gravity than the condensate collection region.

Abstract: An article (e.g. film, tape or pipe) is described comprising a microstructured surface. The microstructured surface comprises a thermoplastic polymer; and a block copolymer additive comprising a poly(alkylene)oxide block having a molecular weight greater than 250 or 500 g/mole and at least one hydrophobic block. Also described is a method of making such articles. Also described is a triblock copolymer comprising a poly(alkylene oxide) midblock and hydrocarbon end blocks; and compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer and un to 50 wt. % of the block copolymer.

Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: An article comprises a structure having an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of a cross section of the outer surface is convex. Fluid control channels extend along a channel longitudinal axis along at least a portion the convex surface. The channel longitudinal axis makes an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer surface. The fluid control channels are configured to allow capillary movement of liquid in the channels and across the convex surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles having conformal layers and methods of making such articles. An article includes a first polymeric layer having a substantially planar major surface and an opposing major surface bonded to a second polymeric layer. One major surface of the second polymeric layer is conformal to the first polymeric layer while the opposing major surface defines a cavity having at least one wall. The second polymeric layer also has a channel connecting the cavity to at least one edge of the second polymeric layer or to the planar surface of the first polymeric layer. A surface of the cavity exhibits an advancing contact angle with water of less than 90 degrees. A method includes obtaining a tool having protruding features; disposing a first polymer on the protruding features; disposing a second polymer on the first polymer; and applying compression to the polymeric tooling, the first polymer, and the second polymer at an elevated temperature to form the article.

Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device includes a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a hydrophobic spacer element adhered to the upper surface of the substrate forming side walls to retain a predetermined amount of liquid in contact with the substrate, wherein the hydrophobic spacer element has a hole therein; a fluid control film in the hole of the hydrophobic spacer element; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the body member; and a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the cover sheet; a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition; and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition.

Abstract: An article, including a network of interconnected polymeric strands; wherein each of the interconnected polymeric strands has a first surface adapted to contact a tissue site and a second surface opposite the first surface; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric stand has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; a plurality of openings between adjacent interconnected polymeric strands; an adhesive layer in contact with the second surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; and a filler in contact with the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer in between the network of interconnected polymeric strands and the filler; wherein the article is a negative pressure wound therapy article.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener that includes a backing having a first side, and a rail element protruding perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cap portion distal from the backing. The cap portion has a cap width that is greater than a width of the base portion and the cap portion overhangs the base portion on opposing sides. The self-mating fastener includes an electrically conductive contact element proximate to the rail element.

Abstract: A condensation management system includes an elongated flexible film configured to be stretched under tension between a first film support and a second film support. The film includes first and second ends that extend laterally across a width of the film. The film includes first and second sides that extend longitudinally between the first and second film ends. The film has a concave surface and an opposing convex surface extending between the first and second sides of the film. Microchannels are disposed in at least one of the concave surface and the convex surface. The microchannels induce a predetermined radius of curvature in the concave and convex surfaces of the film when the film is stretched longitudinally between the first and second film supports.

Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.

Abstract: A substantially planar self-folding film assembly to generate a folded three-dimensional assembly. The assembly includes a flexible support substrate, adhesive elements, and folding members. The folding members include a base, a folding region, and a hinge adjacent each folding region attached at the base to the flexible support substrate by at least one of the adhesive elements. An array of polymer actuators is co-extensive, or shaped to be not co-extensive, with each of the flexible folding members. Upon activation by a patterned light to heat conversion layer, each polymer actuator is designed and configured to provide a displacement of the corresponding flexible folding member about each hinge.

Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.